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Letter from the Principal
As we approach one of the most beautiful seasons of the year, autumn reminds us of constant change and amazing color. Nature, in its entirety, never ceases to amaze us even as the weather (although aesthetically pleasing) increasingly becomes colder and darker. Despite the impending colder months ahead, our students never cease to amaze us! The South staff is proud to watch the students as they grow academically, emotionally and socially. The teachers and administrators would like you to know that we are here to help your children navigate through adolescence and the many challenges they face. Please peruse this newsletter for valuable, timely information from the administration, staff, and teachers.
School Improvement Efforts:
On October 6th and 7th, while students were enjoying some time off, the teachers and administration of Palos South were hard at work assessing student progress, and goal setting for the future. As a result of our data analysis, we are happy to share that students made fabulous academic strides over the last year, and we have much to celebrate. Preliminary ISAT scores show growth at all three grade levels, and the amount of students that "exceeded" state standards in mathematics, reading, and science is at an all-time high!
The staff goals for the coming year will focus in the areas of technology, writing, and utilizing best practice reading strategies to promote reading comprehension across the curriculum. Students will benefit from the collaborative efforts of the staff, in new, innovative, engaging teaching units and lessons.
Also, over the next few weeks, some students will begin to take part in new zero hour and "get off the bus" programs to support reading and mathematics challenges. We are excited to announce that Homework Lab will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:50 pm to 4:00 pm for students who need homework support, or just want a quiet place to study.
Thanks for the supporting our students!!
Year after year, we continue to be amazed by the support of student learning given from our community, and parents. We want to thank the Parent Faculty Association for their generous donation of $5000 to Palos South for this school year. We will use the funds to support our PBIS incentives and other school initiatives.
On September 13th, the Palos Educational Foundation sponsored the annual Laps for Literature walk. All proceeds will go to buy books and materials for our media center. It was a picture perfect day for the walk, and a good time was had by all. If you are available, we ask that you support the Foundation's fall fundraiser, a vendor fair to be held at Gaelic Park, from 7 pm to 10 pm on November 4.
Also, we were overwhelmed to receive a $715.75 check from Target, as a result of the generosity of our parents and community members. If you are not aware, if you are shopping at any Target location and mention Palos South to the cashier at checkout, they will donate to our school. This is a quick and easy way to help raise money for South students.
Character Education:
This year, we are looking at programs that address internet safety, bullying and other adolescent behaviors that are unique to middle school students. More than ever, we are focusing on Facebook and the possible situations that young teens may be involved in as a result of the social media network. In previous years, we have utilized the State Attorney General's Office to provide Palos South with an educated and engaging speaker. A representative will be here again, this year, to speak with students and parents about maintaining safety and privacy while using social media. In addition, the PFA has generously offered to provide assemblies which address internet safety and technology based bullying behaviors. As another measure of our strategy to educate our students regarding these issues, we are hoping to secure a visit from an Orland Park detective, who also speaks to students in District 230, to come in and have a very "frank and direct" discussion about their safety as they're communicating on the internet. The staff has also discussed ways that we, as a school, can guide the students to make wise choices and avoid concerning behaviors via internet communication. Hopefully, with our high level of concern and response to this concern, we will make some progress regarding student awareness and protection. As always, if you have any suggestions or concerns, please let us know.
Upcoming Events:
- On October 21st, our band and choirs will take part in Harvest Fest. The event will run from 5:15 to 8:00 pm and is a fundraiser for the music department of District 118. Even if you do not have a student in the music program, you are welcome to join us! Besides being treated to wonderful programs from the district bands and choirs, we will be serving "kid friendly" food offerings such as hot dogs, bratwurst, chips, and root beer for the bargain price of $10 per person. See the school office or the E-courier for more information.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Tuesday, November 8, from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm and Wednesday, November 9, from 1:30 pm to 8:30 pm. On Tuesday afternoon, parents can "drop-in" to see any teacher. On Wednesday, (teacher initiated) conferences will be held by appointment only. More information will be sent home soon!
As always, please feel free to contact Ms. Christie or me with any questions or concerns. We are off to a great start this year, and want to continue the positive momentum all the way through the fall season!!
Regards,
Chris Bingen, Principal
Amy Christie, Assistant Principal
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